Life — September 4, 1919 — page 15: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This is a satirical illustration titled "Head Nurse" from *Life* magazine (page 397). The caption reads: "Congratulations, O King Solomon! Three sets of twins and one of triplets." The cartoon depicts King Solomon presiding over a biblical court scene, with a large spiral pattern on the floor containing figures representing multiple sets of twins and triplets. Crowds line both sides of the ornate palace hall. The satire appears to reference Solomon's legendary wisdom and his many wives—he's being humorously "congratulated" on producing numerous multiple births. This likely mocks either: (1) Solomon's biblical reputation for extensive procreation, or (2) contemporary concerns about population growth or large families. The cartoon uses the biblical king as a vehicle for social commentary about fertility and reproduction, treating the multiplication of children as a matter requiring royal "judgment" or attention.